RUSSELLVILLE — The Ozark-St. Francis National Forests have released their latest Monitoring Evaluation Report covering fiscal years 2020-2022.
Forest management activities on the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests are guided by the 2005 Revised Land and Resource Management Plan. Forest managers use monitoring techniques to help determine how well Forest Plan objectives are being met, and whether changes are warranted in Forest Plan direction or management activities. Monitoring Evaluation Reports use established criteria outlined in the Forest Plan to report the results of this monitoring.
“There are several objectives of this report in addition to assessing current conditions and trends. This report is a critical component of our Forest monitoring program,” said Forest Planning and Public Services Staff Officer Amy Burt. “While this isn’t a decision document, we assess not only recommendations from previous reports, but also present updated recommendations for potential implementation within the next biennial period.” She added that these reports are a good way for the public to learn about how the Forest Service is managing forest resources and how we are meeting the intent of the established Forest Plan.
The Forest Plan Monitoring Program oversees the establishment of each biennial report. The report represents a coordinated effort of many people, including interested publics; federal, state, and local partners; and Forest staff and specialists who implement work on the ground. Forest managers work with special interest groups, regulatory agencies, permit and contract holders, and many others to implement the Forest Plan. This report gives an assessment of the Plan’s effectiveness.
For more information about monitoring or planning activities, or about becoming involved with future Forest activities, contact the Forest Environmental Coordinator Janine Book at janine.book@usda.gov.
The Fiscal Years 2020-2022 Monitoring Evaluation Report can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1153994.pdf.
The 2005 Revised Land and Resource Management Plan can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsm8_042809.pdf.
